After the Pause: Updates and New Beginnings
HELLO!!!
I think I’ve shared more about this on my podcast, since the blog is still relatively new, but a lot has been going on personally that made staying consistent a real challenge. Lately, though, I’ve felt that familiar nudge to get back to it – so here I am! Before diving into new content, I wanted to give you a brief update on everything happening with me. I’m truly embracing every moment and excited to share all the new experiences and insights with you!
First, I want to share a bit about my family. My youngest is still living with me, and together we’ve explored all kinds of fun adventures over the past year! From Renaissance fairs and thrift shops to fan conventions, yard sales, tattoo parlors (he got a bat tattoo!), and even cuddling cows—he definitely loves pushing me out of my comfort zone. My 22-year-old is still studying at Berklee College of Music in Boston. They’ve formed a band called Vertical Acceleration, and they’re already gigging, writing, and recording. They’re truly the real deal! My 25-year-old has spent this year diving into the worlds of insurance and concrete—an unusual mix, but somehow it fits their personality perfectly. They’re also always busy tinkering with vehicles, currently juggling a dirt bike and a trophy truck. And lastly, my oldest recently made me a grandma! He calls me “Gigi” and is just about to turn one year old. Even though they live three hours away, I cherish every chance I get to see them!
Back to Teaching!!
Now, a little about me. I returned to teaching and am finishing my first year as a special education preschool teacher. It feels like reconnecting with a part of myself that had been dormant for many years. I absolutely love teaching and witnessing the sweet innocence of these children. It’s incredibly rewarding to see how much they grow over the course of a year. At the same time, I’m working toward my master’s degree in early childhood special education. It’s been absolutely crazy busy, but I know all the hard work will be worth it in the end.
Health Updates!
Now, I want to share an update on my health. None of the things I’ve mentioned would have been possible without my miraculous healing from the health challenges I faced, and I will be forever grateful for that. The more time that passes since those difficult years, the more I understand the root causes of my illness. I am finally receiving both medical and spiritual confirmation about the factors that contributed to my struggles, including the deep emotional impact of losing my sister to suicide, MCAS, and other significant hardships. My world has truly opened up again as I have healed from the inside out. I’ve taken my family to places I once thought I’d never see. I’m enjoying plays, movies, and concerts again, and I’ve returned to a profession I mourned the loss of for many years. But, understandably, I had still been too afraid to actually EAT something that tried to kill me so many times! But just a few months ago I finally ate peanut butter without any reaction! And I haven’t stopped since. I had forgotten how good it tasted!
I am deeply grateful for the healing I have experienced, and for the life I am living today. I know that I wouldn’t have made it through these challenges without Heavenly Father’s loving help and guidance every step of the way. I’ve also learned that when I keep my focus on Him, even the toughest difficulties become more manageable. With faith, hope, and gratitude, I am ready to embrace whatever new lessons and blessings lie ahead. I also know that I get through difficult challenges much better when I am focused on Him, and continuing to learn and grow. So, I will follow this prompting and share the things I learn here on the blog. I will also upload podcast episodes as I am able. If you have any suggestions for guests who have faced difficult challenges and transformed their experiences into strength please reach out to me at alightinthedarknessnow@gmail.com. I would love to hear from you!